Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka says Fulham will challenge in the Championship this year

FUL OF IT: Aitor Karanka says Fulham will be up with the best come May [GETTY]

Having tipped today's opponents for an immediate return to the top flight, no-one was more surprised than the Spaniard to see the Cottagers struggling under Felix Magath.

But in the wake of Magath's departure, Fulham are now showing the form he expected and the Boro chief is wary of their threat at the Riverside today.

"I have the same thoughts on Fulham as I did at the start of the season - that they will be in one of the highest positions in May," said Karanka.

"They have had problems but now they are playing like the squad they are and I expect their improvement to continue."

Boro were unbeaten in September but could only draw at home to Blackpool in midweek, a result Karanka did not see coming after his side pushed Liverpool all the way in the Capital One Cup at Anfield seven days earlier.

And it is their home form that is threatening to undermine Boro's promotion bid.

They have already lost twice on Teesside and there were boos on the final whistle following Tuesday's 1-1 draw.

"We have had a crazy month," he added. "We have the ability to almost beat Liverpool but then drop two points against Blackpool."

"I understand why the fans reacted like they did at the end.

"They were so excited a week ago when we scored four times against Brentford and now they are frustrated.

"I have the same feelings but we have to forget the past and think only of the future.

"We are learning so we don't make the same mistakes again."

After a hectic schedule, Karanka is grateful Boro have a fortnight off before their next fixture.

"It is very important to go into the break in positive mood," he said.

"Most of my players are very, very tired because they have played a lot of games and this period gives them time to rest and recover."